When the rainy season arrives, the rain can be unpredictable; it can suddenly pour when it was sunny, or the dark sky with cold air may not bring rain at all. What is certain, however, is that more people’s body resilience is challenged.
Warming the body becomes the desire of many people to stay active. Some do it by wearing thick jackets, some cover themselves with blankets in the office, and some do it by consuming alcoholic beverages.
However, for those who consume alcoholic beverages, there is sometimes a dilemma: which serving is best for warming the body—served with ice or served warm?
Indeed, cold alcoholic beverages like Whisky on the rocks or a Vodka Martini will remain a popular choice, but there are strong scientific and sensory reasons why serving alcoholic beverages warm is actually far more effective at warming the body during the rainy season.
Curious why this is the case? Here are 5 facts proving the superiority of warm alcoholic beverages over cold ones for warming the body during the rainy season.
1. Dual Sensory Stimulation From Temperature and Aroma
A warm drink creates a multisensory experience that triggers a warming response faster than a cold drink.
A warm drink provides instant internal heat to the body through the throat and stomach. This is the fastest physical effect that a cold drink cannot provide.
Higher temperatures help the vaporization process of the spice notes and botanicals present in the spirit (Whisky, Gin, Liqueur). Inhaling the vapor rich in the aromas of cinnamon, clove, or oak actively stimulates the nose and brain, increasing the perception of comfort and warmth.
The strong aroma emanating from a steaming alcoholic beverage is far more effective at relieving a stuffy nose and creating a warm atmosphere than if you only consume the alcoholic beverage cold.
2. Accelerated Blood Vessel Dilation (Vasodilation) Effect
Alcohol contains ethanol, which naturally causes vasodilation (blood vessel dilation) under the skin, creating a sensation of warmth on the body’s surface. The hot temperature of the drink accelerates this process.
When a hot drink enters the body, the combination of alcohol and high temperature causes small blood vessels near the skin’s surface to dilate faster. This dilation increases blood flow to the surface, which is physically felt as a spreading and intense sensation of warmth.
If you drink a cold alcoholic beverage, the body must work twice as hard: first to warm up the drink, and only then does it feel the effects of alcohol vasodilation. With a warm drink, the chemical effect of the alcohol is supported by the natural temperature of the human body.
3. Psychologically, It Can Help Calm the Mind
Beyond physical science, there is a strong psychological dimension. Warm alcoholic beverages are often associated with a culture that values comfort.
Drinks like Irish Coffee or Mulled Wine have a strong cultural association with a cozy atmosphere and a moment of relaxation after a long day.
Serving a warm alcoholic beverage will lead you to enjoy it slowly, sipping it occasionally. This slow process can act as a stress reliever, helping to calm the mind and create a sense of security and warmth from within, which is much needed during the rainy season.
4. Warming Effect from the Alcoholic Beverage’s Ingredients
Many alcoholic beverages used for hot cocktails (such as Aged Rum, Whisky, or Herbal Liqueur) are already enriched with spices that possess natural thermogenic properties.
When these alcoholic beverages are heated, the spices within them (such as ginger, clove, cinnamon, or nutmeg) release compounds that can trigger thermogenesis (the process by which the body generates heat).
In a Hot Toddy, for example, Whisky is combined with honey and cinnamon. The heat of the drink extracts the essence of the spices, making it not just a beverage, but a functional, warming “elixir.”
5. Hot Temperature Helps Prevent Core Body Temperature Drop
During the rainy season, the ambient temperature is already low. Consuming liquids that are also low in temperature will worsen the internal situation.
Consuming a cold alcoholic beverage can cause a drop in core body temperature, even though you feel a warm sensation on the skin. Conversely, a warm drink helps maintain or slightly increase your core body temperature, providing better internal defense against the cold of the rainy season.
Warm alcoholic beverages are proven to be more effective at warming the body during the rainy season due to the unique combination of physical science (accelerating vasodilation and maintaining core temperature) and sensory factors (the aroma of spices providing psychological comfort).
If you want to fight the cold of the rainy season with a warm alcoholic beverage, do not hesitate to make a Hot Toddy, Mulled Wine, or Hot Buttered Rum.
If you are interested in trying a Hot Toddy with quality Rum or Whisky to warm your body during the rainy season, you can try making it with the best alcoholic beverages from Balimoon. You can place an order via: WhatsApp +62 821-4510-9578.